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T20 cricket is the fast version of the game. It is full of quick moments. Players hit lots of boundaries and sixes, and bowlers try to bowl tricky deliveries like Yorkers. But even in all this moment in the field can change everything. Like when a player makes an incredible catch, maybe jumping high or catching the ball with one hand. These fielding efforts can make watching shocked and sometimes even decide who wins a close game. While compiling a definitive list of the “best” catches is subjective, here are the ten best catches in the history of T20 Internationals (T20Is):
1. Kevin Pietersen- 2009 World Cup
In a high-pressure game at the 2009 T20 World Cup, South African player, Albie Morkel hit a huge six off Graeme Swann. The ball went flying over mid-wicket, and it looked like it was going to be a massive hit. But then, out of nowhere, Kevin Pietersen made an amazing catch with just one hand! He reached out with his right hand and grabbed the ball, making it look easy. Everyone watching was shocked and could not believe what they had just seen. This catch changed the game completely and became one of the most memorable moments of the whole tournament.
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2. Andrew Flintoff- 2007 World Cup Final
In the 2007 World Cup final, Sri Lankan player Mahela Jayawardene smashed a powerful shot towards the long-off boundary. It seemed like it was going to be a six for sure. But then, Andrew Flintoff, who was right at the boundary with his back to the ropes, jumped up like Superman! He stretched out his hand and managed to catch the ball just before it touched the ground. It was an unbelievable effort that not only stopped a certain six but also slowed down Sri Lanka’s progress in the game when it mattered most.
3. Grant Elliott- 2012 World Cup Semi-final
The 2012 T20 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa was a nail-biter. In the last over, South Africa needed just 13 runs to win. Faf du Plessis hit a big shot towards the long-off boundary. Grant Elliott was there, and he did great work. He ran backward fast, jumped up high and caught the ball with just one hand. It was like he was flying, his body almost horizontal to the ground. This catch was unbelievable and it meant New Zealand dramatically won the match.
4. Dwayne Bravo- 2016 World Cup
Dwayne Bravo is famous for his fielding skills and he showed them off in the 2016 T20 World Cup. Glenn Maxwell who is known for hitting the ball hard, hit a big shot towards the long-on boundary. Bravo stood there, and he did a great job. He judged where the ball was going perfectly, ran backward really fast, jumped up high, and caught the ball just before it reached the ropes! It was an unbelievable catch that showed off his athleticism. And it turned out to be a really important moment in the West Indies’ win.
5. David Warner- Australia vs India, 2018
David Warner is not just great at scoring runs but also an amazing fielder. In a T20I match against India in 2018, he showed off his quick reflexes by taking an incredible catch to get Virat Kohli out. Kohli hit the ball with a cut shot and it looked like it was going to be a boundary. But Warner, who was at backward point, dove full-length to his left and caught the ball with just one hand! And despite colliding with another fielder stationed at the gully while in mid-air, he held onto the catch. This catch showed how skilled Warner is as a fielder.
6. Kieron Pollard- West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 2014
Kieron Pollard is another Caribbean player known for his acrobatic fielding. In a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2014, he took a spectacular catch to dismiss Thisara Perera. Perera launched a powerful shot towards the deep mid-wicket boundary. Pollard, stationed there, ran backward at full tilt, judged the trajectory perfectly, leaped high, and while airborne, managed to flick the ball back into the field before landing outside the boundary rope. This incredible effort saved several crucial runs for the West Indies.
7. Chris Lynn- Australia vs Pakistan, 2017
Chris Lynn, the Australian batsman known for his brute power, can surprise with his fielding too. In a T20I against Pakistan in 2017, he displayed his reflexes with a stunning catch to dismiss the dangerous Babar Azam. Azam played a cut shot, and the ball seemed destined for the boundary. Lynn, positioned at a backward point, dived full length to his right, outstretched his right hand, and somehow managed to grab the ball inches from the ground. This reflex catch, showcasing exceptional athleticism, proved to be a crucial moment for Australia.
8. Jos Buttler- England vs South Africa, 2020
Jos Buttler, the wicket-keeper batsman from England, is known for his acrobatic fielding behind the stumps. But he can take spectacular catches in the outfield as well. In a T20I against South Africa in 2020, he took a blinder to dismiss David Miller. Miller launched a powerful shot towards the deep square leg boundary. Buttler, stationed there, ran backward at full tilt, judged the trajectory perfectly, leaped high with one hand outstretched, and plucked the ball out of thin air. This incredible catch, a display of exceptional athleticism and anticipation, left everyone in awe.
9. Hardik Pandya- India vs Sri Lanka, 2021
Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, is a complete package – a hard-hitting batsman, a skillful bowler, and a brilliant fielder. In a T20I against Sri Lanka in 2021, he displayed his athleticism with a gravity-defying catch to dismiss Dasun Shanaka. Shanaka launched a powerful shot towards the long-off boundary. Pandya, stationed there, sprinted backward at full tilt, leaped high with one hand outstretched, and somehow managed to grab the ball with his fingertips while falling outside the boundary rope. However, his presence of mind and quick thinking in throwing the ball back into the field before landing resulted in a legitimate dismissal. This incredible play showcased his exceptional fielding skills and game awareness.
10. Fakhar Zaman- Pakistan vs South Africa, 2021
While the list is capped at ten, there’s always room for one more. Fakhar Zaman, the explosive Pakistani opener, deserves a mention for his one-handed stunner against South Africa in 2021. David Miller, known for his clean hitting, launched a powerful shot towards the deep mid-wicket boundary. Zaman, stationed there, seemed to defy gravity as he leaped high with his right hand outstretched, seemingly out of position. But in a remarkable display of anticipation and athleticism, he managed to grab the ball with one hand inches from the ground, completing a sensational catch that left everyone speechless. This remarkable grab not only saved several crucial runs but also showcased Zaman’s fielding prowess, often overshadowed by his batting exploits.
Conclusion
The article shows the ten best catches in the history of T20I which shows athleticism and reflexes by fielders like Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff. These catches can turn the tide of a match and leave a lasting impression on fans.
